Bypass Malaysia’s PirateBay Censorship Using Google DNS

If you’re a Malaysian (or are familiar with happenings in Malaysia), you’ll probably know about the recent issue of the Malaysian government blocking access to file sharing sites such as ThePirateBay, MegaUpload, and some others. While some people may agree that ThePirateBay should be blocked due to its ability to help folks get hold of pirated content, MegaUpload is a commonly used tool by many people, not to mention businesses too, to share large files, so this isn’t a very smart move.

Fortunately the solution isn’t too hard, though you’ll need to get your hands a little dirty. Thanks the Google DNS, you can use a public DNS instead of what Unifi/StreamyX is offering you. Google suggests that you use 8.8.8.8 (primary) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary) for your DNS servers (and this works for me), though some folks tell me that it should be 202.188.0.133 (primary, Streamyx’s) and 8.8.8.8 (secondary), but it doens’t seem to work for me, though you might want to experiment on your own. Additional reading on using Google’s DNS.

There are 2 places where you can change it: 1) On your router, which should solve the issues on all your computers on the network, or 2) on each individual computer.

You can check out the screenshots below to give you an idea of what needs to be done, depending on which method you choose. Google has some pretty useful instructions here, though you’re free to email me if you find it confusing.

1) Changing the DNS on your router. This screen will vary depending on brand and model, but the general idea is there:

2) Changing the DNS on your computer’s network adapter:

On a related note, the hacking group Anonymous has stated that it plans to launch a cyber attack on the Government’s portal as a form of retaliation to the censorship, and to be honest, you can’t help supporting them under these circumstances. The attack is slated to launch around 3.30am Thursday Malaysian time, so we shouldn’t have to wait long to find out how things turn out, though I doubt the government is going to change it’s stance. More likely it’ll be a nice excuse for it to purchase a large number or cyber security-related stuff.

and this all started with so called local artists who claimed file sharing is destroying their income. 2 things i wanna say.. 1. hypocrites (as if they dont download as well, if they dont they are just too stupid) 2. once you people are good enough THEN U CAN WORRY!

@AJ: You mean in terms of getting viruses? The general rule is that if you’re not familiar with the stuff you’re downloading, then it might be a good idea not to download it. So far I haven’t had any issues with the stuff I download from there. Hope this helps.

hi there , i just wanna ask .. how if i am using home router but i m just following method 2 but not method 1 , but it doesnt works for me >< ( since it works when in mamak just using method 2 but how about when using home router ? )

Sorry for the late reply! The first screenshot is basically the settings page of your router. It’s normally access via an address like 192.168.0.1 on your browser. Some other routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1, it really depends. Hope this helps!

Hey there!
I’m having problem accessing http://www.piratebay.se. Do any of you guys having the same problem. I can access pretty much all the blocked website by the government since I’m using Google’s Public DNS, but I can’t get through to Pirate. Any solutions?

Agreed, thans for the suggestion. I think VPNs are a great way to go, though I haven’t found too many that are free and don’t have limitations. Of course, they’re not too expensive, and but if you’re willing to spend, they’re great :D

Hi Matt. Another question here, a few days ago I did the change of the DNS settings in the computer itself but not with the router and suddenly now the router is not abled to connect to Internet. It’s working fine though as in the WiFi is connected but just can’t connect to the Internet. Do u think it has something to do with the change of the DNS settings in the computer internet settings? What should I do? Thanks bro

– If you’ve tested with another device (such as a phone) connected to your router and it doesn’t work, then you can roughly guess your router isn’t connected to the Internet. You could always login to the router and do a proper check.
– Changing the DNS setting on the computer itself won’t affect the router. If you make a mistake, at most your computer will have problems, but it won’t affect other devices.